Cimarron Canyon State Park
Sky Score 62/100≈ Bortle 2
Cimarron Canyon State Park is a protected area in New Mexico with a measured darkness of 88/100 (≈ Bortle 2) — among the very darkest measurable skies in the American Southwest — the Milky Way casts visible shadows on moonless nights. The best month to come is typically September, when about 73% of the night sky is clear.
Tonight's outlook: 58/100. The moon is 7% lit and above the horizon 13% of the night; typical August clear-sky odds here are 57%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Cimarron Canyon State Park
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 56% | 57/100 |
| February | 62% | 61/100 |
| March | 63% | 62/100 |
| April | 68% | 66/100 |
| May | 63% | 62/100 |
| June | 62% | 61/100 |
| July | 54% | 56/100 |
| August | 57% | 58/100 |
| September ★ | 73% | 69/100 |
| October | 70% | 67/100 |
| November | 70% | 67/100 |
| December | 62% | 61/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night — check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Cimarron Canyon State Park
No lodging within 80 km — this is true wilderness. Plan to camp, or base yourself in the nearest gateway town and drive out for the night.
Nearby spots in New Mexico
- Eagle Nest Lake State Park — 7.3 km · Sky Score 61/100
- B-24 Wing — 17.3 km · Sky Score 64/100
- Lovers Leap — 20 km · Sky Score 64/100
- Coyote Creek State Park — 40.9 km · Sky Score 63/100
- La Junta Point — 47.4 km · Sky Score 64/100